The definitive guide to securing your ST1 Orthopaedic Training Number.
2026 Overview of the ST1 Orthopaedics Application Timeline (updated with new information)
The ST1 Orthopaedics application process runs to a strict schedule. Below, we’ve broken it into clear stages with key dates, what to expect at each step, and actions to help you stay ahead of the competition. Note: Dates shown refer to the 2025 cycle and may change. Always check the Oriel portal for the latest updates.
01
Advert & Applications​
Date Range: 22nd October 2025
Description:
The official recruitment advert will be published on Oriel on 22rd October. Applications open on 22nd October 2024 at 10:00 (GMT) and close on 20th November 2024 at 16:00 (GMT). Use this time to review the person specification, check eligibility, and submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
02
Longlisting & Evidence Upload​
​
Date Range: Late November – Early January
Description:
Applicants will be informed by 28th November if they are progressing to longlisting.
The evidence upload window runs from 19th December 2025 to 2nd January 2026. During this period, you must upload all required supporting documents for your self-assessment.
03
Shortlisting​
​
Date Range: January – February 2026
Description:
Verified self-assessment scores will be released by 16th January 2026 (17:00 GMT). You will have 72 hours to appeal if you believe there has been an error.
Shortlisting results will be released by 13th February, followed by interview invites by 17th February 2026.
04
Interviews & Preferences
​
Date Range: Mid–Late February 2025
Description:
Preference submission will be open from 18th to 25th February 2026, allowing you to rank locations and programmes.
Interviews will take place online on 25th February 2025 — ensure you have a reliable internet connection, a quiet environment, and have prepared thoroughly.
​
05
Offers & Upgrades​
Date Range: March – April 2026
Description:
First offers will be released by 24th March 2026 (17:00 BST). The deadline to hold offers is 2nd April 2026 (13:00 BST), and the final offer upgrade deadline is 8th April 2026 (16:00 BST).
If holding an offer, keep an eye on Oriel notifications as upgrades can happen right up to the deadline
​
Job Numbers and Competition
Information regarding competition ratios and annual job numbers is quite scarce. In the 2024/2025 cycle, there were 12 posts available: 6 for WOS, 3 for SE, 1 for North, and 2 for East.
​
The 2024/2025 cycle had just over 1000 applicants with around 50 invited to interview. The cut off for longlisting was 30/43, whilst the cut off for interview was 31/43.